Why read Elementary Aspects of Peasant Insurgency in Colonial India?

Book cover of Elementary Aspects of Peasant Insurgency in Colonial India

Book description

Foreword by James Scott

This classic work in subaltern studies explores the common elements present in rebel consciousness during the Indian colonial period. Ranajit Guha-intellectual founder of the groundbreaking and influential Subaltern Studies Group-describes from the peasants' viewpoint the relations of dominance and subordination in rural India from 1783 to…

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Asian history

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Why read it?

1 author picked Elementary Aspects of Peasant Insurgency in Colonial India as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Sayeed Ferdous

Author

Reading Guha was an eye-opening experience for me for at least two reasons. One, he was the founding figure of subaltern historiography; and two, abandoning the colonial knowledge project, he introduced a whole new horizon of South Asian studies to his readers. First by acknowledging and then by understanding the consciousness and politics of the colonial marginal, Guha explored peasant insurgency in a new light.

In his battle against colonialist and nationalist historiographies, Guha also distanced himself from his Marxist colleagues in history.

From Sayeed's list on South Asian history and culture.